Quick Bites
Ownership change
By Joan Namkoong
Advertiser Food Editor
A few days ago, Philippe Padovani and brother Pierre Padovani took over the ownership of Padovani's Restaurant (no longer Bistro) and Wine Bar at the Doubletree Alana Waikiki Hotel. The partnership with J.P. Damon has dissolved, and the Padovani brothers will continue to operate the restaurant and wine bar for hotel guests as well as the general public. Expect a few minor menu changes, according to Padovani, but the signature style will remain.
Searching for poi
Marcia Zina Mager is feverishly trying to complete a book, "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About ... Poi" and is looking for help in the way of recipes, photographs, poi or taro artwork and poi-related anecdotes. Send your items to her by July 9 at Mager Poi Book, 94-531 Anania Court, No. 108, Mililani, HI 96789 or e-mail by July 10: magerm001@hawaii.rr.com.
Best airline eats
When meals are as important in the air as on the ground, Zagat, the restaurant surveyor, can tell you which ones to fly. According to their newest airline survey, the top five airlines for economy-class food are Midwest Express, Alaska, National, United and Hawaiian. But if you're in the premium seat category, count on (in order of ranking) Hawaiian, Alaska, Continental, American and United to deliver top-notch food. For details, see www.zagat.com.
Cooking contests
• The Pillsbury Bake-Off, in its 40th year, is accepting entries for original quick and easy recipes that use an eligible Pillsbury product. One hundred finalists will be awarded cash, prizes and trips; the grand prize is $1 million. The finals will be held Feb. 24-27, 2002, in Orlando, Fla.; contest deadline is Oct. 15, 2001. For contest rules and information: www.bakeoff.com or 1-800-533-1822.
• The Bake It Better with Kids Recipe Contest is for adults with recipes in two categories: Cookies, Bars and Other Treats and Easy Breads and Muffins. Sponsored by Quaker Oats and the National Honey Board, recipes must use a minimum of a cup of oats and 3/4 cup of honey. Entries will be judged on taste, kid appeal, convenience and creativity. Grand prize is a home computer system and a GE Advantium oven. For complete rules and information send a self-addressed stamped business-size envelope to Bake It Better with Kids Contest Rules, P.O. Box 4495, Naperville, IL 60567 or log onto www.quakeroatmeal.com or www.honey.com. Contest deadline is Nov. 16.
Quick Bites is published every Wednesday in the Advertiser Taste section. Food editor Joan Namkoong welcomes tidbits of food news. Write to her c/o The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Call: 525-8069. E-mail: jnamkoong@honoluluadvertiser.com. Fax: 525-8055
